‘Time for fun – 41’: Eyes down for bingo fan Gwen on care home trip
A former bingo caller and player had a happy day out from her Dorset dementia care home to enjoy her favourite game once again.
Gwen Moore was the centre of attention on a special trip from Fernhill in Longham to the Buzz Bingo club at Tower Park in Poole.
She joined fellow residents and team members from the home to mark off the numbers as they went ‘eyes down’ over several rounds.
Gwen was previously a bingo caller and volunteered to help with games at an elderly people’s charity every Thursday for several years.
She even called a round of bingo at her daughter Stephanie Hayward’s wedding for guests to participate in.
When care staff at Fernhill heard of Gwen’s wish to play again, they arranged a residents’ minibus outing to Buzz Bingo complete with several games and lunch.
Fellow residents Michelle Wood, Anne Osbourne and Richard Pearce also came along for the fun.
It was a chance for all, but particularly Gwen, to become reacquainted with the traditional 90 ‘bingo lingo’ rhyming terms such as ‘knock at the door’ for four, ‘rise and shine’ for 29 and ‘buckle my shoe’ for 32.
Companionship Team member Ann Marie Knight said: “We had a game of bingo recently at our home and one of our other residents was finding it difficult to find her numbers, so Gwen did her own card and then helped her out.
“Gwen then told us of her wish to go to a bingo club and experience the atmosphere of a ‘big game’ once again.
“She would have loved to read out the numbers but the licensing rules didn’t allow for that.
“Nevertheless, she had a great time and was thrilled that Stephanie was able to join us too.”
Thanking the Companionship Team afterwards, Stephanie said: “What a great time mum had. It was special for her and she smiled and laughed throughout the day.
“I have to praise all of the companions at Fernhill, and also those at Amberwood House in Ferndown when mum lived there, for all their time and dedication to their jobs. They really are an asset to Colten Care.”
Anne Marie added that since Gwen wasn’t allowed to call out the numbers on the trip, Fernhill will soon stage its own bingo night for residents and guests when Gwen will be the caller.